On this week’s podcast, we’re sharing a very special panel discussion recently hosted by the Film Society and the journal Film Quarterly, which tackled the urgent topic of film and media in times of fascism, dictatorship, and moments of stress.

Moderated by critic and Film Quarterly Editor B. Ruby Rich, the conversation featured reports on Italy, Argentina/Paraguay, Portugal, the PRC, and the United States (past, present, and future), as well as reports from the new Action Group Network, a nationwide network organizing to move the country forward in the wake of a divisive election, and develop strategies of resistance to media repression.

The evening featured a diverse panel of filmmakers and scholars, brought up in two sections. Similarly, we will split up this extensive episode into two parts. Listen to part one below or click here to subscribe and listen on iTunes.